‘Doctor for Beggars’ Treats Pune’s Homeless for Free

Meet Abhijeet Sonawane, who treats beggars and homeless on the streets, free of cost.

Dr. Abhijit Sonawane treats beggars for free

(Photo: ANI)

A doctor in Pune is walking the extra mile to better the lives of the beggars in the city. Apart from just treating the poor, Abhijeet Sonawane also provides them medicines, and does follow-up check-ups: all free of charge. If a patient needs special care or surgeries, Sonawane ensures that they are taken to a hospital and their expenses are taken care of.

He starts his day by visiting religious places, since most beggars find shelter near shrines. He then runs tests, diagnoses his patients problems, and provides them with free medicines. The doctor, who works from 10 am to 3 pm from Monday to Saturday, admits critically ill patients to hospitals.

Sonawane’s motorcycle is his mobile clinic where he carries medicines and some basic medical equipment. He calls himself ‘Doctor for Beggars’.

Abhijeet Sonawane treats his patients on the streets .(Photo: Twitter/ANI)

“These elderly people are generally the ones who have been abandoned by their families and have no option but to beg. I not only do their check up but also give them free medicines, which I carry with me. I do this from 10 am to 3 pm from Monday to Saturday,” Sonawane told ANI.

This is my way of giving back to the society. While treating these people I build a rapport with them and then try to convince them to quit begging and do some kind of work. I also assure them of my support in all forms.

Abhijeet Sonawane, Doctor

Abhijeet Sonawane treats patients for free, six days a week.(Photo: ANI)

Sonawane has established the Soham Trust, which aids in executing his initiative.

(With inputs from ANI)